Stories

With patio season in sight, we asked top landscape designers, architects, and outdoor living aficionados to weigh in on what's hot in outdoor living spaces for 2015. After speaking with over 20 experts in the industry, we've come to the conclusion that the trend this year is two-fold. The first movement revolves around outdoor living and entertaining, while the second trend encompasses the eco-friendly craze that is sweeping the nation. Take a peak and check out our expert round-up for designer tips, tricks and inspiration for your outdoor living needs! THE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINER Whether you're down to dig in the...

Let there be light! If only it were that easy. A lot of brainpower and thousands of years got us to where we are today. Light has never been more efficient and effective. Each new light source builds on the last and the industry continues to grow and evolve. We don't yet have our hoverboards or flying cars, but when it comes to light, we've come a long way, baby. Share History of Light Image on Your Site: Copy and Paste the Code Below

As the temperature continues to rise, many people's first instinct is to crank the AC. Doing this, however, often leads to high utility bills and less money to spend on summer fun. This year, cut down on your AC usage by trying these five cool strategies, and save your money for a weekend trip instead! 1. Install ceiling fans Ceiling fans are a less expensive way to cool down in the summer. Plus, if you invest in a fan that can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise, you can also save money on your heating bill during the winter! 2. Use...

I enjoy summer for many reasons, and one of my favorite ways to savor the sunshine is to go on a picnic with friends and family. Delicious food, warm weather, good company – what's not to love? This summer, put together your own fun picnic. I've found these helpful tips come in handy when setting up a picnic and I'm sure you will, too! 1. Pick a picturesque setting Part of the fun of picnicking is taking in the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Set up a spot by a nearby lake or check out the local park. If you have...

Our earliest memories of Independence Day are of going down to the riverfront for the fireworks festival. Viewing the fireworks among hundreds and thousands of fellow Americans in celebration of our freedom. The fireworks were nice, with collective "oohs and ahhs" that induced chills. On our way home, we remember passing houses closer to the river where huge parties were gathered for fireworks, a night spent under the stars and with food off the grill. These folks had life figured out. Next year we pledged that we would no longer go to the fireworks; the fireworks would come to us....

Most people enjoy a trip to the beach now and then, but for you, the beach is home. The salty breeze, cool blue water and soft hot sand make the beach your favorite place to spend time in the summer. So why not add elements of the beach to your home's interior design? These tips will help you integrate the nautical style into your space. Decorate with driftwood Driftwood is literally wood that has floated in the water and then washes up on shore. There are many different decorative items that use driftwood to create that nautical look you love....

Sadly, some of us, ahem, have the dad bod (or something rounder) without even getting to experience the joys of parenthood. But as Father's Day approaches, let's celebrate the dads among us who come by their dad bods honestly. But first, we should back up a bit. Perhaps some of you haven't heard of dad bod. Allow us to educate you, with the help of Mackenzie Pearson, a college sophomore who coined the term in March. She claims she heard it from her roommate, but we'll credit Pearson for giving it to the world. Pearson describes the dad bod like...

The nephew was just in town and we were tripping over dinosaurs all week. From the T-rex to velociraptors, it was like a little "Jurassic Park" at our place. Oh, and there was also a trip to the Science Museum, which was really just an excuse to see more dinosaurs. The kid is "Jurassic World" crazy. "Jurassic Park" is so over, apparently. It stands to reason our nephew is not the only fan out there whose desire for all things dino has reached a fevered pitch as the summer blockbuster approaches 1 billion dollars in worldwide box-office receipts. We're not...

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your outdoor living space, making it perfect for each party, gathering, and casual grill-out. You’ve got all the basics covered—festive market lights are strung, the burnt-out bulbs in your outdoor lighting fixtures are replaced, the patio furniture is outfitted with new summery cushions, and the BBQ is cleaned and polished. Now, for the finishing touch to add vibrancy to your outdoor living space and to tie together your décor scheme: A DIY succulent planter brought to you by The Bloom Of Time floral design studio in...

When it comes to home decor, one of the best accessories you can choose for your space is a plant. Fresh plants bring energy to a room, purify the air and add beauty. And if gardening isn't your thing, there are plenty of houseplants to choose from that require little maintenance on your end. So what are you waiting for? Spring is finally here and while the rising temperature is helping us to feel refreshed and rejuvenated outdoors, you can bring that same energy into your home with any of these 10 indoor plants. 1. English ivy This elegant plant...